Current pharmacologic management of narcolepsy

Abstract

Narcolepsy is an incurable sleep disorder characterized by attacks of sleepiness and a series of auxiliary symptoms: cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. Classic treatment has included stimulants to control sleepiness and tricyclic antidepressants to control the auxiliary symptoms. Polysomnography is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and to detect other sleep disorders. Recent developments in treatment include the use of codeine for sleepiness and gamma-hydroxybutyrate for auxiliary symptoms.